Reader/Writer Tidbits -- February 27, 2010

It seems Amazon has a history of monkeying with the Buy buttons for books, the most recent incident in the ebook dominance flap being only one in a string.

Author Lev Raphael shares "Seven Things My Writing Professors Never Told Me".

An aspiring author and interested in being part of a writing-related group blog?  Consider applying for a position with Writer Unboxed.

If you want to understand book contracts, especially before you get one, you really should read agent Kristin Nelson's blog, Pub Rants. She educates her readers about various contract terms on a regular basis. This week's topic: reserves for ebooks. Really? (Check out her other posts from this week, all related to ebooks and contracts.)

If you believe something from everyone, as I do, then you will certainly be interested in writing tips from an author of 110+ books and author of the bestselling 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life, Cecil Murphy.

Like to get more than the words between the covers? Waterbrook Multnomah has The Storytellers' Journal, a newsletter/ezine containing author and character interviews, book reviews, chapter excerpts, topical articles, and more. Check out the most recent journal, including topics such as dealing with infertility, being green, and redefining the role of women in fiction, although with great chapter excerpts for recent releases.

Jevon Bolden, editor for Strang Communications, relates that "Even Editors Need to Be Edited", for those who struggle with having others edit your work. Wish I were going to the Florida Christian Writers Conference next week so I could meet this lady.

This weekend brings my son's varsity team in the 2A regional basketball championship. A victory will take them on to the state semifinals, one step away from the state championship game. Go Terrapins!

Have a great weekend!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Featured Book: The Big 5-Oh! by Sandra D. Bricker

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Big 5-Oh!Abingdon Press (February 2010)

by

Sandra D. Bricker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Author Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While writing in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

One of Sandie's passions revolves around the rights of animals. She's been involved in fundraising for Lost Angels Animal Rescue for several years now; in fact, a portion of the proceeds of Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida will go to help the non-profit group with their expenses. And Lost Angels paid her back in a big way: They brought a free-spirited Collie named Sophie into her life after the loss of her 15-year companion Caleb.

It was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer.

In Sandie's words: "I guess most people would see my career as a publicist as a sort of dream job. But giving it up turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me!" she declares. "Not only was I given the gift of getting to know my mother as an adult woman before she passed away, but I was also afforded the blessing of being able to focus completely on my dream of a writing career. I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost, so it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch their new Love Finds You line."

ABOUT THE BOOK

Olivia Wallace has a birthday curse . . . or so she thinks. It was a broken heart on her 16th, a car accident on her 21st, pneumonia on her 30th, and a fall down a flight of stairs on her 35th. There were Ohio blizzards on her 38th, 39th, and 40th; and six days before her 45th, she lost the love of her life to a heart attack. Numbing grief stole that birthday and a couple more to follow and, on the morning of her 48th birthday, she received the call she’d dreaded ever since losing her mom so many years ago…she was diagnosed with stage-3 ovarian cancer. The doctors didn’t hold out a lot of hope, but Liv survived and maintained her faith. Months of surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation treatments followed.

But now, as her 50th birthday creeps up the icy Ohio path toward her, her hair has grown back, her energy level is up, and she is officially cancer free. It makes her nervous. After everything she’s gone through, Liv hates the idea of driving on icy roads and returning to work as an O.R. nurse in a local Cincinnati hospital.

Her best friend Hallie knows just the thing to break Liv out of the winter doldrums, while providing a safe haven of warmth, sunshine, and a time to regroup: a holiday in the Florida sunshine!

If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Big 5-Oh!, go HERE

Watch the trailer:



REVIEW

This was this week's Tuesday Teaser book.

I am a big fan of Sandra Bricker. If you tell me she has a new book coming out, I'm adding it to my TBR list, no additional information required. Her books offer sweet, faith-filled romance with laughs. She also has a tremendous knack for including the most quirky location details that give the reader a real sense of place, which I love.

The Big 5-Oh! held to that promise. However, I was a bit disappointed because her prior book, completely unrelated to this one, also dealt with a middle-aged woman transplanted to FL from a more northern environs who finds a second love following the death of her husband. Of course, there are hundreds of ways to tell that story and all of them would be unique--the unique thing here being Olivia's birthday curse--but at times, it kind of felt as though I'd visited with these lovable characters before, even though I enjoyed this story more.

Ms. Bricker also writes endearing, romantic heros with the best of them. Readers know that Dr. Jared Hunt is a keeper long before Olivia suspects, much less decides to take a chance on love.

Disappointment aside, I look forward to the next Sandra Bricker book. Nothing like romance with laughter.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Dealing with Disappointment As A Writer

I talked about my recent critique and how it affected me.  Many felt the need to encourage me.  For this, I humbly thank each of you. 

But let me clarify...  I was bummed, but I wasn't down and out.  I didn't hide, throw away my computer, rent my clothes, or anything drastic.  I was bothered for a few hours...okay, more like a day or two...and then it was over.

Still, I do appreciate the encouraging words.  I'm well aware that writers need to develop a thick skin.  There are so many things that could derail a writer who is either unprepared or whose psyche is not strong.   Submission rejections. Negative reviews.  Less than favorable critiques. Lower than hoped for sales. Failed booksignings or other promotions. End of an imprint or publisher closing.

How does a writer deal with these things?

Admittedly, I don't have a lot of experience in this area.  I think all but one of the short stories I submitted were published.  I haven't begun submitting to agents and editors as yet so I haven't experienced negative reviews, lower sales, failed promotions, or the death of a publisher.  But I've had disappointments, both professionally and personally, such that I believe my emotional skin has thickened, although perhaps not quite as thick as it may need to be for this business.  Knowing this is always a hot topic with writers, I went looking for information:

This Psychology Today article, "The Thick Skinned, offers suggestions that writers would be wise to keep in mind:

• Don't take it personal
• Remember that everyone gets rejected sometimes...Successful people are rejected over and over, but never stop trying
• Don't be self-focused
• Learn to be patient

That last includes being patient with yourself.  There's much to learn to become a successful writer, and it takes both time and practice.  Be patient with your learning process and your growth.  Just keep moving forward.

Another article, "How to Develop a Thicker Skin" tells us "...having a thicker skin means comparing your self-reflection to your own goals.  If making a change would completely derail you, sometimes it’s best to ignore the feedback."  It goes on to say "The best way to absorb and handle criticism is to face a lot of it".

The author goes on to say "It’s the stuff that has a partial truth that we find hardest to take.  These are the parts of our life we have either rationalized away, or haven’t been able to accept.  In these cases, criticism can be helpful.  However painful, it strips away the defenses and gives us a chance to fix a problem."  These comments come from university student, Scott Young, obviously someone wiser than his years.

In "Developing A Thick Skin:  How to Accept Criticism", writer Betty Meshack informs us there are 5 stages of dealing with rejection (or, in this case, criticism):  denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.  I'm thinking it's okay to pass through all these stages.  Writers aren't meant to be superhuman.  The idea is not to wallow too long in any of the first four.  Developing a thick skin means being able to move swiftly toward the last stage, acceptance.

Finally, author Jody Hedlund recently blogged about how writers should handle praise.  In the comments on her post, I shared something I learned from my husband, a former professional athlete and pastor, "You are never as good or as bad as they say."  He told me this in the early years of our marriage when relating how he learned to deal with the media's bright spotlight while still a teenager, and he's shared it with our son who has athletic dreams of his own and is beginning to get his first taste of dealing with the media.  Many of the celebrities and athletes we seek acting out have never learned this lesson.  Writers would do well to remember it.
 
So, how do you handle your writing disappointments, be it a critique, a review, or rejection?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Teaser Tuesdays -- The Big 5-Oh!

This was kind of fun last week so I think I'll make it a regular feature. I just completed Sandra Bricker's The Big 5-Oh! last night so I'll use that.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
  
• Open to a random page
  
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page (in the comments or via link to your own blog)
  
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Perhaps this would be Liv's greatest birthday disappointment of them all. Finding out that Jared Hunt was flawed and deceptive beyond the facade of a dazzling smile and general perfection would leave pneumonia and broken bones and various birthday calamities strewn in the dust." -- page 75, The Big 5-Oh! by Sandra D. Bricker





The book I began in the car this morning while waiting at traffic lights is Lisa McKay's You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes and Other Great Advice from an Unlikely Preacher's Wife. I've only gotten through the foreword and the acknowledgments but it looks to be a great read.

Watcha reading?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

You Mean They Didn't Love It?

Last week, I submitted my first chapter to my critique group.  I wasn't particularly anxious about their feedback, but I did anticipate getting a lot of comments.  Here's out it went, based on the possibilities:


Everyone loved it! -- Would have been nice, but didn't happen. 

Everyone hated it!  -- Didn't happen either.  In truth, this wasn't even a possibility to me.  I honestly believe you have to push some things outside of the realm of your possibility in your world, and make them stay there.  For me, this was way outside.

More hated it than not -- Thankfully, this was not the case either.

More liked it than not -- Here is where I sit.  This is a pretty good position.  One of my crit partners completely disliked my first chapter, but she wasn't unkind in her comments.  She's in my corner and wants me to do better.  The other two were more encouraging, giving me constructive feedback and indicating an eagerness to see what happens next.

Not bad.  Not bad at all.

I have to be honest.  The one negative critique bummed me out.  Initially, I thought, "Well, she doesn't get my story or my writing style.  Okay."  But the more I thought about it, the more it weighed on me, causing me to back up a bit and start second guessing myself, something I definitely don't need to do at this juncture.

My accountability partner, who I turned to for support, reminded me that each piece of feedback may be accepted or rejected--my choice--and, if I hear something three or more times, then that's something to give strong consideration to.

Agent Chip MacGregor (yes, I link to him a lot) had this post on his blog today about handling critiques, in particular dealing with a bad first draft.  Now, I'm not saying my draft was bad.  I really don't think it was, but it could certainly be improved upon, as is true for most writers.

So what I will do is keep writing.  Find my way to The End.  Then, decide what changes I need to make.


I'm not discounting my crit partner's feedback outright.  I'm saving it, putting a little distance between me and it until I'm in a better place to deal with it.  Right now, my focus in on getting the story finished.  Getting crits along the way will help me make minor adjustments even as I move forward, kind of like the bumpers on the kiddie lanes at the bowling alley. 

In the end, as Chris at the Florida Writers Association says, "Getting better is all that matters."

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Reader/Writer Tidbits -- Feburary 20, 2010

Only a few tidbits this week...

First off, my blog has taken on a different appearance.  Not sure why since I didn't change the layout, and I don't like it.  But, I also don't have time to deal with it.  Not at the moment.  So if it looks crazy to you too, please bear with it for a few days.  I'll try to get it sorted out.

Lest you thought children would be left out of the ebook craze...  On the heels of the iPad, Mattel announced a tablet device for children, Fisher-Price iXL.  It will have six applications for reading, taking notes, art, music, and photos.  Do kids that young really need a USB port for downloading? 

Authors Donna Hill and Pittershawn Palmer talk about their new epublishing venture, InnerVision Books.

Agent Chip Macgregor talks about current trends in fiction.

Enjoy the weekend!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

I Can Dish It But Can I Take It?

Congratulations to Keren Childers, the prize winner from last week's Victoria Wells' Open Heart Blog Tour post. Keren, you'll be contacted by the blog tour coordinators regarding your prize.

--------------------------------

I submitted the first chapter of my current wip to my critique group this week.

Hand-wringing?  Pressure?  Nope.  Simply peaceful waiting.

I've been with these ladies for nearly a year now.  I've got a fabulous set of critique partners.  One is a multi-published YA author.  Another is a nationally recognized blogger and fiction writer who twice finaled in last a contest last year, in romance and in women's fiction.   The third writes Christian romance and fantasy and conducts writing workshops.  This is a talented bunch of ladies. 

A fourth member had to bow out of our group but remains connected as my accountability partner. And she is doing her job!

Connecting with these four women might have been the biggest blessing of my writing life last year. (No, that pic is not of us. But it could be. We're all that beautiful!)

This is not my first experience with a crit group.  The first was well-formed when I joined and I never quite felt like I was part of the group, although I have a number of writing friends now as a result.  Then it got bigger and the original gang left, leaving me really feeling adrift. 

The second attempt was a large critique forum offered by American Christian Fiction Writers with tens of submissions every week.  Way too much for me to deal with on a regular basis.  The purpose, however, was for smaller groups to form and branch off.  My current group is one of those branches.

These ladies have encouraged and support me, prayed for me, and laughed with me through all the crazy ups and downs of the last year. 

I've been critiquing finished manuscripts, agent submissions, and contest entries for them for the past year.  But I hadn't submitted anything.  Until now.

I kept telling myself that I wanted to get the whole story written before opening it up for feedback.  Didn't want other people's voices in my head while I tried to figure out where the story was going.  I still kind of feel that way, but I have to admit that I wasn't getting anywhere since the story wasn't getting written.  I'm working from a partial outline so I've got my thoughts out ahead of the group. 

I got great feedback from the two contests I entered last year, even if I didn't agree with every comment made. So I'm not afraid of feedback. Adding the critique feels right at this point. It was on my weekly accountability to-do list which I take pretty seriously.  So I did it.

I've tried to be kind but forthright in my critiques to them.  I expect no less.  Can't wait to see what comments these ladies have for me. 

Being a critique partner has taught me that even writers as talented as these ladies can use and appreciate a little help.

I know I will.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Featured Book: Dreams That Won't Let Go by Stacy Hawkins Adams

Dreams That Won’t Let Go Blog Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Indigo Burns is excited. Her wedding preparations to the man of her dreams are underway, her photography career is a success, and her family seems to be doing better than ever—all except her brother Reuben, who nobody has seen in years. But that’s about to change.

When Reuben decides to move back home to Jubilant, Texas, he hopes to find healing with his sisters. But Indigo isn’t so sure their relationship can be mended. And when younger sister Yasmin makes a life-altering choice, it seems like only a miracle can put the Burns family back together.

Will these siblings – and the rest of their family -  ever be able to love unconditionally and release each other to live their dreams?

Book Review

Dreams. Everyone has them. Not all are able to realize them, and sometimes one person's dreams clashes with another's, as they do for siblings Reuben, Indigo, and Yasmin.

The third book in the Jubiliant series reveals Reuben's desire to reunite with his family in direct conflict with Yasmin's desire to assert her independence and Indigo's desire for their parents' affection. Stacy Hawkins Adams explores how parents make their best judgment calls on behalf of their children, and those decisions are not always understood, appreciated, or even, in the long run, wise. Yet, the family that's willing to push the dirt out from beneath the rug and deal with it can find the love, affection, and respect each member seeks.

As much as I enjoyed the rest of the series, Dreams That Won't Let Go may be my favorite, perhaps because it brought Reuben back to Jubliant and with him, his intriguing and strong wife, Peyton. I particularly enjoyed the male characters in this family--Daddy Burns, Pastor Taylor, Max, Reuben, and even little Charles David--as I found them to exemplify a likable mix of strength, patience, and vulnerability when it came to dealing with the Burns women.

About the Author

Stacy Hawkins Adams is a nationally-published, award-winning author and speaker. Her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with social themes and spiritual quests that take readers on journeys into their own souls.

She holds a degree in journalism and served as a newspaper reporter for more than a decade before turning her full attention to penning books, speaking professionally and writing freelance articles.

Stacy lives in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young children. Visit Stacy online at stacyhawkinsadams.com.

 Dreams That Won’t Let Go GIVEAWAY!

WIN a set of signed books from the Jubilant Soul Series AND a free one-hour session with Helena Nyman, an executive coach.  

Answer the following question in the comment section to be eligible for the giveaway: What dreams are simmering in your heart and waiting to be birthed?

Visit the full blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/DreamsThatWontLetGo

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Teaser Tuesdays -- My Mother Never Told Me

I came across an interesting meme on CeeCee's blog that I thought I'd employ here, maybe not weekly, but from time to time.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
  
• Open to a random page
  
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page (in the comments or via link to your own blog)
  
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's today's teaser, from Donna Hill's upcoming release, My Mother Never Told Me, pg. 229:

"And to be truthful I don't know what I feel about him. Part of it was definitely chemistry, another curiosity and a slap in the face to the Shaw tradition," she said, the rancor seeping through her words.

What's your teaser? 

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Reader/Writer Tidbits -- February 13, 2010

The publishing industry wheels continue to turn...

Eric at Pimp My Novel clears up some confusion about an "agency" vs. "wholesale" retail model, now that Macmillan, Hachette, and HarperCollins have all gone to an agency model.

The New York Times is speculating about possible ereader backlash to the expected higher prices for ebooks.  Based on the new agency models of these publishers, ebook prices are expected to increase from the $9.99 for Kindle titles that Amazon has been offering to as much as $14.99, this with still a delay from some publishers as to when the ebook of a print title will be released.  (Thanks, Donna, for this one.)

But why blame the author?  They've got nothing to do with the price or the release date of the ebook version of their book.  Just an easy target...


What are HarperStudio and Vanguard doing differently? Low or no advances, for one thing. Talking P&Ls (profit and loss) with the authors directly, for another, and offering up "back-loaded book deals".

Then agent Kirstin Nelson shares that one of her client's publisher is no longer creating ARCs (advanced reader copies).

Some "happy" publishing news...

Reality meets romance? HCI books has announced a new imprint, Vows, wherein real-life romance writers will be paired with real-life couples for a non-fiction retelling of their story.

Niccole Simmons of 21st Street Editing and E-publishing emailed to say this new publishing venture is now accepting submissions for street lit and urban erotica. For more information, go here.

Then for all the readers and writers who'd rather not thing about this stuff...

Author Carol McDonnell explores the difference between themes and morals, and which, no matter what kind of fiction one writes, although Carol focuses on Christian fiction, authors should shoot for in their stories.

RomCon 2010 includes the Readers' Crown contest for best romances of the year. The contest is open to entries now (the deadline was extended to February 28th) in 11 categories including short contemporary, long contemporary, romantic suspense, paranormal, etc.

Want to help judge the contest? Reader judges will receive 5 free books to read and return by April 15th. For more information about the Readers' Crown, go here. The judges application form can be found here.

Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz, offers insights "How to Write a Better Story".

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope you have wonderful plans for the weekend to show love to someone, even to yourself!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Featured Book: Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allan

I love books that take on uncommon subject matter. Alcoholism is front and center in Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allan. I can't recall the last time I read a book where this disease was addressed, and I'm sure if I have, it was definitely not as raw, honest, and transparent as this. Want a look inside the head of a person clawing their way up through rehab and the difficult work of rebuilding relationships? This book is for you.

When I read a book like this, one that resonates deeply even when the issues are not mine, one that gets beneath my skin and starts picking at my innermost parts through its language and style, I have to know more about the author. I found a great article about debut author Christa Allan over at the ACFW Afictionado ezine. Christa is firmly on my author watch list. I eagerly anticipate her next book.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Walking on Broken Glass

Abingdon Press (February 2010)

by

Christa Allan





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christa Allan, a true Southern woman who knows any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, weaves stories of unscripted grace with threads of hope, humor, and heart.



The mother of five and grandmother of three, Christa teaches high school English. She and her husband, Ken live in Abita Springs, Louisiana where they play golf, dodge hurricanes, and anticipate retirement.







ABOUT THE BOOK

Leah Thornton's life, like her Southern Living home, has great curb appeal. But already sloshed from one-too-many drinks at a faculty party, Leah cruises the supermarket aisles in search of something tasty to enhance her Starbucks—Kahlua and a paralyzing encounter with a can of frozen apple juice shatters the facade, forcing her to admit that all is not as it appears.



When her best friend Molly gets in Leah's face about her refusal to deal with her life, Leah is forced to make a decision. Can this brand-conscious socialite walk away from the country club into 28 days of rehab? Leah is sitting in the office of the local rehab center facing an admissions counselor who fails to understand the most basic things, like the fact that apple juice is not a suitable cocktail mixer.



Rehab is no picnic, and being forced to experience and deal with the reality of her life isn’t Leah’s idea of fun. Can she leave what she has now to gain back what she needs? Joy, sadness, pain and a new srength converge, testing her marriage, her friendships and her faith.



But through the battle she finds a reservoir of courage she never knew she had, and the loving arms of a God she never quite believed existed.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Walking on Broken Glass, go HERE

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Idol Hopefuls Are At It Again

NOTE:  This post is not about reading or writing. Just something fun. I used to do more of these and will again in the future.

It's that time of the year again. American Idol is in full force. It's Hollywood week, and the 180+ contestants have already been whittled to 71. One last chance remains for them to make it to the top 24.

So many 16-year-olds this time around.

New judge Ellen DeGeneres adds some laughs and some common sense judging. Sometimes it's not about how a professional sees things but simply what a potential consumer might think. That's Ellen, the average music lover, one who happens to also have a sense of what it's like to be on a big stage.

Lots of interesting back stories. (Okay, maybe it's a little about writing.) Sick children. Grandmother with early stages of Alzheimer's. Convicted felon. Never before off the farm. Hmmm... Isn't this why we watch reality TV, for the stories?

I like Jermaine Sellers (should have won BET's Sunday Best). Then there's the guy with the thick black glasses frames and the plaid shirt. (Sorry, hard to remember names this early in the process.) I think the guy who performed in The Color Purple and wrote the original song back in the first round of auditions can sing, but I also think, after last night's show, that he might be annoying in the long run.

The women aren't sticking in my mind just yet.

Who are your early favorites?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Featured Author: Victoria Wells' Open Hearts Blog Tour

I rarely post more than once in a day, but I received a last minute request to jump onto the Open Hearts' Blog Tour.  Together, let's get to know Victoria Wells and her latest release, Key To My Heart.

Getting to Know Victoria Wells

What have been the best and the worst experiences you’ve had on your literary journey?

The best experience for me thus far along this journey has been the outpouring of support from readers. I am so grateful for the many heartwarming emails I receive from readers telling me how much they enjoy my work. Meeting fans, whether it’s at book signings, literary events or online, has been totally awesome. When folks talk about my characters like they’re real people is pretty neat too. It makes me feel like I’ve done my job as an author. Also, meeting some of my favorite authors has been a pretty cool experience.

Like any other business, the literary world has its share of players who aren’t so ethical. Unfortunately for me, I’ve had a run in with such players. It’s really disheartening when you discover someone you've trusted isn’t exactly on the up and up. But instead of dwelling on the negative experiences, I learned a lesson from them and moved on.

The worst experience for me has been the nasty, mean-spirited reviews on Amazon. I’m not gullible enough to believe that everyone is going to enjoy or like what I write. I don’t necessarily like everything that I’ve read over the years. So I get the whole “I wasn’t impressed with that book.” However, what I don’t get is how and why some folks are downright cruel and lethal with their words. It’s like they’re trying to intentionally crush or kill your spirit. That is why I’m so grateful when readers reach out to me with kind, uplifting words. It really does balance everything out and keep me motivated.

If there were one thing you could change about this literary journey, what would it be?

I don’t think I would change a thing. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I try to grow from bad experiences and use my good experiences as a solid foundation, which I can build on.

What one thing has surprised you the most during your writing career?

I was really surprised by how supportive and encouraging some of the well-established authors are to newcomers. Okay I’m going to put a few on blast:  Beverly Jenkins, Gwyneth Bolton, and Brenda Jackson are absolutely awesome. And just for the record y’all…Gwyneth is my girl!

What challenges have you faced in your literary journey? How did you overcome them?

Finding the time to write and promote my work. I desperately try to stick to a schedule to write on the weekends. This is a huge challenge since the weekends are usually the only time I have to catch up on housework, running errands, and spending time with my family. So what I usually do is write in the wee hours of the morning on Fridays and Saturdays if I’m not too exhausted.

As far as promoting goes, I had to really learn how to stick to a budget and get the most out of my money. Also, I had to look for free opportunities to promote my work. Networking with friends and family who enjoy my work is the ultimate promotion. Word of mouth is the best promotion there is.

Have you received many negative reviews, and if so, how have you handled the negativity?

I’ve definitely received my share of negative reviews. Although the harsh words hurt, it’s something I have no control over. I’m determined not to allow what someone says about my writing to deter me from continuing to write. For the most part, I handle the negativity just by knowing that there are folks that do enjoy my stories and have taken the time to post their positive reviews as well.

What is the best piece of advice you have received from either a fan or a fellow author?

Beverly Jenkins once told me to write the best story I could I write because in this business that’s the only thing I would have control over.

About The Book 

Sassy-talking, no-nonsense Ava Peretti has a mysterious past that has finally caught up with her. Agonizing nightmares terrorize her as painful memories of a love lost haunt her by day. Ava has vowed never to love again, but she will soon find out that sometimes vows are made to be broken.

Attorney Langston Warrington III is the one man that can make Ava love again. The only problem is . . . he’s her archenemy! And to make matters worse, Langston has a secret of his own—a secret that will change Ava’s life forever.

For more information and to follow the tour, please visit http://www.victoria-wells.com 

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Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

It Only Took Two Weeks

That's all.

14 mere days.

That's all it took for me to have a week with major slippage from my professed writing goals.

I dreaded confessing to my accountability partner. What would she think?

Here's where I tell you that I have a fabulous AP.

My accountability partner, or AP, as I fondly call her, had already sent her weekly update when I opened my email Monday morning. With a deep breath, I read her status.

Wow. We both had some challenges after two smooth weeks. But that's why we have each other, right? She made a few suggestions for me, as I did for her. I'm convinced we'll both achieve our goals.

My major goal was to write two chapters. I completed some minor ones, but this was the biggie.

Word count for last week? Not one word.

No, the Super Bowl didn't do me in. Football doesn't hold that much allure for me, although I did catch snippets.

Rather, I watched Titanic with Middle Son. I was struck by the storytelling in this award-winning movie in a way that I hadn't been before. Prior to watching on Sunday, my thoughts were more along the lines of "good but long and kind of boring".

Depends on what you're looking at.

Middle son wasn't into the romance, not one bit. The big grab for him was...the sinking of the boat. ('Cuz he's into scientific stuff and watches the History Channel on a regular basis.) And boy, this was suspenseful stuff. Didn't want him to try to get through the three hours by himself--even though I made him go to bed after two--so I watched with him. Not always easy being the middle child.

But the sinking of the Titanic wasn't the nail in my writing goals' coffin either.

It was the waiting.

I literally approached last week with a plan to write on Sunday afternoon. That was how the past two weekends had shaken out--even though it hadn't been a plan then--so I figured that was probably the "natural" order of my writing week. Minor things--book reviews, critiques, blogs--during the week. Major writing on the weekend, and probably Sunday afternoon.

Except I didn't anticipate Hubby catching a viral infection and throwing a major wrench into things. Like me having to pick up the slack with Middle Son's basketball team Saturday morning, pretty much setting the tone for and throwing off the entire weekend.

Or, me, after running around with a host of errands, then driving 100 miles roundtrip for Eldest One's basketball game, a game in which he didn't get off the bench since he was called up to Varsity just the day before. Knowing Mom and his brothers were there in support was important.

Add to that all the usual errands and cooking and such, and by Sunday afternoon, I was wiped.

Lesson learned? Break the week into two parts: Mon - Wed and Thur - Sun. Set a major writing goal for each part. 1 out of 2 is better than 0 out of 1. (2 out of 2 will be even better.)

'Cuz life happens.

The writing needs to happen too.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Reader/Writer Tidbits -- February 6, 2010

Wow, this digital publishing arena is really heating up.

Last weekend, there was a huge flap between publisher MacMillan and bookseller/printer/publisher/device manufacturer, Amazon. (What Amazon's role in the publishing industry is depends, it seems, on the day of the week, hour of the day,...) Agent Nathan Bransford best summarizes what went down in "The Kindle Missile Crisis".

Since then, MacMillan and its authors continue to wait for their "Buy buttons" to be reinstated. Negotiations continue.

Meanwhile, Hachette has announced an "agency model" for ebooks as well. Think of it like MSRP for a car. The manufacturer recommends a selling price. If a dealer sells below MSRP, he may lose money. If he can get a customer to pay more than the agency price, or MSPR, he certainly wins (although I suspect this will almost never happen with books.) Instead, it's reasonably agreed that the MSRP is the way to go. Keeping that correlation going, however, publishers and booksellers are hoping that consumers agree with the agency pricing. (Don't most folks try to get their cars for less than MSRP?)

Hachette also said that it will be releasing its ebooks concurrent with the hardcovers, a move that several other publishers have backed away from.

When will the ebook come out? How much will it cost? Readers' heads will be swimming behind this stuff.

Jessica over at Books & Such reminds us, in all this craziness about who gets to set book prices in order to achieve profitability, not to forget the authors. (She has a link to an article Wired magazine published this week on the whole flap.)

Time to trim back that list of blogs that I read/follow every day again. 140? Can't be true. But before I do, can I add one more? Routines for Writers. "Helping writers write more" is the object, providing inspiration, tips, and sometimes laughs for writers who struggle with getting their writing done. Check out the witty and comforting post by one of today's most brilliant contemporary writers and one of my favorite authors, Tosca Lee.

I think I'm enjoying being a year older. Hopefully a year wiser. Working on better.

Enjoy the weekend!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Featured Book: Songs of Deliverance by Marilynn Griffith

Author Marilynn Griffith delivers more of her poetic storytelling in Songs of Deliverance, the sequel to Rhythms of Grace.

ABOUT THE BOOK

She returns to her hometown with a suitcase full of regrets, and a heart yearning for so much more...

Four childhood friends have been torn apart by the mistakes and tragedies of their past. Now as adults, they are reunited in their hometown of Testimony, Ohio, where they sort through the messy, real-life struggles of secrets kept hidden, lost loves and unknown futures.

Zeely Wilkins is the one with the beautiful voice that earned her the nickname “Birdie,” when she was younger. Now engaged to marry Jerry, her life seems to be back on track, though she struggles to bury feelings for her high school sweetheart.

Grace Okoye can make you hold your breath when she dances, but ever since that night more than a decade ago, she has pushed that dream—like so many others—aside.

Ron Jenkins, the lone white guy who once used to preach in the black church, has returned to Testimony, now as a lawyer. He questions whether he should be here, and when enough is enough when it comes to matters of the heart.

Brian Mayfield, with his long dreadlocks, had walked away from the church awhile ago. Only recently has he started to turn back to God and find strength for healing and patience. He never knew his biological mother but is determined to make a difference in the lives of the students at Imani Academy, with the help of his assistant, Grace Okoye.

Having grown up together, they now must help and encourage one another as they begin to address the pains, heartaches and tragedies of their past—and get a second chance to make things right. Though never easy, the friends experience a spiritual awakening as they begin to face their secrets and sorrows and offer their struggles over to God. They learn the beauty and strength in friendship, and the inexhaustible depth of God’s healing grace and redemption—no matter how hopeless or doomed things may seem at first.

REVIEW

I didn't read Rhythms of Grace, not that it matters. This is Zeely's story.  I liked that this sequel appears to take place some 15 years after the original story, an unusual movement in time I don't often see in fiction. The characters have grown and matured yet there remain unresolved issues that come to a head when they return to their hometow.

With their mentor dying, Zeely, Ron, Grace, and Brian return to Testimony, the place that was both a refuge and a source of heartache for them all. They've been tasked,  Brian in particular, with saving the school that once saved them, but that's not all that's going on in this history-rich town. The unresolved issues between them, mostly issues of the heart, catapult themselves into the forefront, causing each of the characters to face up and deal with them.

I did experience a little confusion at first as to whether it was Zeely's or Grace's story, but only because I didn't read the preceding book and because Grace is a character who will draw the reader in just as much as Zeely.  Both women are strong and commanding of attention with riveting stories to tell.

As I always do with a Marilynn Griffith story, I loved the language of this book.  Marilynn's prose reads like a song between the covers, melodic and poetic.  But she's not only a tremendous wordsmith but also a fabulous storyteller.  No one, and I mean not even the people who read the first book, will see the plot twists and surprises in this one coming.

Reading Songs of Deliverance was exactly how I wanted to begin my literary year.

Get a taste of what I mean by reading an excerpt here.

Marilynn Griffith is a freelance writer and conference speaker whose online columns and blogs reach thousands of women each year. She is the author of the Shades of Style series and Rhythms of Grace. Marilynn lives in Florida with her husband and their seven children.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

For more on Marilynn and her books, visit her website, Rhythms of Grace.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Accountability Is Hard Work

So I'm three weeks into having an accountability partner, one of my former crit partners. We've exchanged our goals for the year. Each week, we share our progress on the prior week's goals and our goals for the coming work. We've each developed tracking mechanisms that we believe will work for us.

I'm tired.

No, not really...but having an accountability partner is hard work. I have to think about what I want to accomplish over the next week and share that information. Then, I have to get the work done.

Then, as the week winds to a close, I need to report back. Believe me, every day I'm conscious of having to report on my progress. It's both motivating and terrifying!I also need to review her progress with an eye to helping her stay on track.

It's a lot of work. Nothing I don't do in my daytime profession, but something I've never done for personal achievement.

Hard work. But there's upside.

For one thing, considering all the writing I do, I wasn't giving myself enough credit. Book reviews, blog posts, and articles in addition to working on my novel. Of course, I knew this but it all seems like so much more when I see the sum total down on paper.

Second, seeing where I'm spending my time helps me think about where I want to spend my writing time. I've been considering that for a while now. I've slowly pulled back on book reviews, so much so that I actually found myself at a point where I had no TBR pile. Nothing to read. Zero. I'd read everything I was obligated to read, and everything I thought would be nice to read but hadn't gotten to. Still, I recently notified one of my review sites that I'd be taking fewer books this year, cutting my involvement by 25% in order to have more time to write.

Third, I've considered what outlets I do my writing for, and I'll be making some changes there, either for broader reach or to exchange unpaid for compensated work.

Finally, I'm making progress on the novel. I've always known my first draft wouldn't be perfect. I've finally accepted it might not even be very good I might as well get it done so that I can spend time making it better. That's a hard one for me. I hate doing less than my best, but I also hate disappointing people, which would include my accountability partner. She expects me to write!

Having an accountability partner is working so far. I truly hope we're still at this six months from now, not to mention this time next year. And that we've both reaped satisfaction and untold rewards from our efforts.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.